Hearts or minds?
The choice of motor oil for many is almost a religious question. After all, the classification and tolerances of oils are rather complex, producers are many, and studying all these subtleties the majority of motorists have neither time nor desire. The quality of oil can usually be assessed only in the long term-indirect signs (tanning, wear, tear, etc.). This situation is a good ground for manipulations by different manufacturers of oils or ordinary "garage nooks", who persuade newcomers to "in their faith" sermons on the best type and mark of oil. In order not to be the victim of such manipulations and to spoil the engine of your car with an inappropriate product, you need to know some simple rules on the choice of motor oil.
What are the criteria for selecting motor oil?
The choice of engine oil should be based primarily on the automaker's recommendations. The manufacturer most often indicates the applicability of the oils to a particular car model in two basic parameters:
- Viscosity (defined by SAE)
- Operational class (most often API or ACEA classification).
In addition, the oil varies according to the type of basis (mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic), but most automakers do not regulate the use of any particular type. At the same time, some automobile companies (e.g. BMW) for a number of models require the use of synthetic synthetics only. In addition, the climate conditions in which the car is operated and the type and condition (wear and tear) of the engine should be taken into account when selecting the oil.
Engine Oil Selection Instruction
The engine oil selection algorithm is similar to the following:
- Determine the engine model and the degree of wear and tear.
- Find the recommended range of oil viscosity for the given motor (in the guide);
- Define the operational class (in the guide);
- Select the type of the oil base;
- Select a vendor.
The following should be done:
(1) The definition of the engine model and ismosis will allow for a more correct selection of the viscosity and type of oil base. For example, some older motors use rubber compaction from nitrile rubber that is not compatible with synthetic oil. For wear, the engines can be divided into three groups:
When selecting motor oil, it is necessary to focus not only on the manufacturer's recommendations, but also on the age of the car and the conditions of its exploitation
- Wear motor vehicles with slight wear (mileage to 75,000 vehicles). Km-Km Inomarcas, up to 50,000. km-domestic cars).
- Normal wear and tear (up to 150,000 people). km and 100,000 (km)
- More wear and tear (respectively, over 200,000) km and 150,000 (km)
(2) The viscosity of the oil shall be strictly within the manufacturer's range. Too "liquid" oil will not be able to form a stable oil film, which will lead to increased wear of the engine parts. Besides, this oil is burning fast. Too viscous oil will not be able to effectively reach all the surfaces, which also leads to premature wear and tear. It may be difficult to start the engine with viscous oil.
The viscosity is defined by the SAE classification. In most cases, Russia uses all-season oil, which has a dual symbol for winter and summer viscosity, such as SAE 10W-40. The number 10 shows the low temperature viscosity. To determine the air temperature at which it can be used, the number 30 (i.e. 10-30 = -20C) shall be deducted. The second number-40 shows the persistence of the oil to high temperatures and approximates the acceptable ambient temperature (i.e., 40C). With higher engine wear, the oils with a higher high temperature viscosity (within the manufacturer's recommendations) should be used.
(3) Select an operating class by API. For petrol motors, the situation is quite simple: we need to use the class of oil not lower than the recommended by the manufacturer (for example, if a SJ class is recommended, you can buy SJ, SL, SM or SN). With diesels the situation is more difficult-more new classes of oil can be prone to the formation of a tan in older engines. Therefore, it is better to fill in exactly the class of diesel oil (e.g. CG), which recommends the car manufacturer. It is also sometimes necessary to pay attention to the compatibility of oil with turbo motors. While all current oil classes are compatible with turbines, some manufacturers (for example, Eneos) share their "turbo" and "unturated" oil.
(4) Selection of the oil base. With few exceptions, the choice of a framework may be guided by such considerations:
- "Sittnetika" is a more qualitative, persistent, but expensive oil;
- "Mineralka" is usually cheap oil, which is sometimes useful in old motors with large tanning. The mineral basis is also used in many proprietary Japanese oils (e.g. Toyota, Honda, etc.).
- "Polynthetic" is a mixture of mineral and synthetic basis. The characteristics and the price are between them. In Russia, it is a very popular compromise of oil.
Brand is the last to pay attention to the choice of motor oil
5) Choice of brand. From the point of view of the Russian motorist, the brand's choice boils down to the choice of "not fake" oil. If the oil is original, then the brand name is not of great importance-they all have a similar composition and correspond to the same tolerance. It's quite difficult to get the real oil, but there are a few rules that can help you:
- Oil in plastic jerricans is counterfeits more often than in metal cans;
- The most frequent faked are the oils of unbroken brands;
- Contract is usually sold in bazaars and auto shops, and the original is from official representatives and dealers.
Summary
The motor oil should be bought first, based on the recommendations of the car manufacturer. The choice of inappropriate viscosity or in-use oil may result in premature wear by the engine. The viscosity of the oil shall be taken into account the climatic conditions as well as the degree of wear of the motor. The choice of an oil base and a brand name is not important-the main thing is to buy high-quality oil, the inscription on the canister fully corresponds to its contents.
